In summary:
A Casual Visit to a Clinic in Front of the Temple Led to an Endoscopy Where a Fibroid Was Found
In February 2011, I was passing by the “Fukui Internal Medicine Clinic” in front of the temple after the morning service. On a whim, I decided to get a flu shot there. However, the doctor advised me, “It’s cheaper to get vaccinated in the area where you live.” As I was about to leave, I remembered, “This clinic also specializes in gastroenterology.”
Several years earlier, another hospital had found a small, harmless polyp in my stomach. So, I decided to undergo an endoscopy on the spot, which turned out to be a convenient decision as the examination was done immediately. The doctor showed me the photos of my stomach and, with a serious expression, said, “You have a fibroid in your stomach.We can’t determine much here, so I’ll write a referral for a detailed examination at a larger hospital.” I was pretty shocked.
Further Examination at Another Hospital Revealed a Previously Unnoticed and Healed Stomach Ulcer
I chose Kansai Electric Power Hospital for the follow-up examination, as it was close to the temple. The results showed a 3-centimeter fibroid. Additionally, the doctor asked, “Have you had a stomach ulcer before?” I replied, “No,” as I didn’t even know what a stomach ulcer was. The doctor then said, “There are signs that a stomach ulcer has healed.“
I was amazed and felt a sense of immense gratitude, realizing I had unknowingly had and healed from a stomach ulcer. The fibroid was not malignant, which was a relief.
The Fibroid Removal Surgery Was Successful, Thanks to the Prayers of Other Believers. I Am Filled with Gratitude for Various Miraculous Arrangements
I was informed that the fibroid removal surgery would be done using an endoscope, and a date was set.
Before the surgery, during an Okō service in my parish, the priest in charge offered a special prayer for the successful completion of my surgery, with many believers joining in. On the day of the surgery, I received further prayers and support from the priest and fellow parish members, which alleviated any anxiety as I entered the operating room.
At that time, endoscopic surgery was not yet common (I think), and meeting a skilled doctor was indeed a blessing. The surgery was successful, leaving barely any scars, and I recovered quickly, allowing for an early discharge.
I am deeply grateful for the numerous blessings: the chance to visit the clinic, the timely endoscopy, the unnoticed healing of the stomach ulcer, and more.
It has been ten years since I started helping at the temple while receiving blessings. After my husband passed away, my children and grandchildren have continued to practice their faith at Seifu-ji Temple, becoming a source of support for me, for which I am deeply grateful. Although my children cannot fully devote themselves to the temple’s activities, their involvement is still a blessing. Moving forward, I will continue to cherish these blessings, honor my ancestors through memorial services, and diligently dedicate myself to my faith.
